Save your Sanity...Some tips for parents of a special needs child...

Most people who know me know I have a special child...They are all special but I have a special need child one who needs things to be that little bit different than the norm...One that has mental health issues and can be difficult to deal with at time...

I am constantly judged by other people...Strangers, teachers, and even my friends in the way I deal with him and my parenting of him alone... I have heard it all from...Boot him in the butt thats all he needs, or just ground him or lock him up, Throw him out and let him see how easy he has got it at home with you or my favourite from the school was let go Angie cut the aapron strings he will never learn anything while he has you babying him  picking up the pieces all the time...

My eldest has tried to commit suicide twice now once with pills and the second time he tried to hang himself...He is unmedicated waiting for a new appointment to see a new psychiatrist to get a new type of pill for him...He is not all that stable at the moment but he is still my son and I love him...

It is not only hurtful for people to assume and question my parenting with him but I find it  degrading and offensive...I find myself explaining on a regular basis myself and up until recently was doing it regular for him...Well now I have decided no more...I know my son is not like the way he is because of my parenting ability...I have 3 other teens in this house and they are well adjusted and do not behave like him so how could it be...so this is what I Have done now...

I have provided all documentation from psychologists, psychiatrists and doctors to the school to show my sons mental health issues...That way it is in black and white from a professional and not just from my mouth...

Before I am questioned by anyone in the education department or any other department about my parenting abilities when it comes to my eldest I provide them with all the necessary documentaion they need to know different...

I always remind myself that people are usually acting out of sheer ignorance rather than trying to undermine my approach to parenting my eldest...They do not know any better...

I have avoided alot of my previous friends who always had something to say about the way my son behaves or the way I chose to deal with it...When you have a special child you really find out who your true supportive friends are...Believe me I know...

I am always open to sharing things about mental illness with anyone who wants to know anymore about it and the way I parent the way I do wiht my eldest child...I am a big advocate for learning about behavioural, mental and emotional conditions that affect peoples lives...

I have had to do these things to protect my sanity and my self as a person and also to protect my son...I will not have anyone tell me that my son is the way he is because of my parenting abilities and especially when I have had many a professional tell me that it is not the case...

So this is to all you parents out there living with what I call a special child...Follow these rules and keep your sanity believe me I know it is working for me...

Thanks for reading
Have a great day
Cheers
Angie